Embedded Files
Click to access the executive board internship program application & student/alumni spotlight forms:
Our history
AISES was founded in 1977 and it is the only professional society created by and for Native people in STEM. AISES seeks to integrate aspects of Indigenous culture within STEM in order to encourage lifelong learning and academic achievement among members.
UCLA's chapter of AISES is housed under the Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity (CEED) program along with the Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES) and the National Society of Black Engineering (NSBE). We collaborate as a Triad Organization (Tri-Org) to foster academic success among students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in STEM.
Our technical project, Bearospace, enables students to build upon their knowledge of aerospace engineering through hands-on learning and team rocket launches. AISES at UCLA also organizes the annual Youth Motivation Day (YMD) outreach event. At YMD we encourage Native youth to pursue STEM careers through leading educational workshops.
Additionally, we actively participate in Native American Heritage Week on campus and yearly national conferences + leadership summits. In the past we have facilitated Project Impulse and MESA tutoring to empower youth to succeed academically in STEM.
Our chapter is dedicated to strengthening community among members and we host fun socials throughout the year. In the past we have planned a beach bonfire, Tri-Org retreats, movie viewings, and cooking activities.
Recent achievements
Outreach & Community Service Chapter Award at the 2022 AISES National Conference
Featured in an article published by UCLA's Division of Life Sciences
11 Leadership Summit 2022 sponsored attendees
Featured in an article published by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians highlighting our STEM mentorship of Noli Indian School Students
New collaboration with The STEAM Connection for Youth Motivation Day 2022
Professional Chapter of the Year Award at the 2021 AISES National Conference
Featured in an article published by the Daily Bruin
16 National Conference 2021 sponsored attendees
Hosted 3 community panels of Natives in STEM studies & research during the 2021-2022 school year
AISES at UCLA Bearospace Rocket Team wins 2019 First Nations Launch Competition
Bearospace is featured in an article published by UCLA Samueli's Division of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Resources for students & community members
AISA is a student-run organization at UCLA that supports Native and Indigenous students through its two projects. These projects are Retention of American Indians Now! (RAIN!) and American Indian Recruitment (AIR).
Contact: aisa.ucla@gmail.com
SACNAS is a national organization that supports Native and Chicanx students in STEM. UCLA's chapter of SACNAS aims to increase the amount of students in science education and STEM careers through outreach efforts in the Los Angeles area.
Contact: sacnas@ucla.edu
The American Indian Studies Interdepartmental Program (IDP) offers an undergraduate major and minor in American Indian Studies. A two-year Master's degree is offered as well. Scholarships for students are listed on their website.
Location: 3220 Campbell Hall
The AISC is a research institute that is dedicated to addressing Native issues and supporting Native communities. AISC strives to connect the academy and Indigenous people through academic research, publishing scholarship in the field of American Indian Studies, and supporting events/programming centered on Indigenous issues.
Contact: aisc@ucla.edu
AIGSA is a UCLA campus-based organization that supports Native students through academic opportunities and social interaction between faculty, students, and community members.
Contact: aigsa@ucla.edu
AIA is an alliance of Native UCLA graduates and individuals affiliated or interested in UCLA. The core values of the AIA include advocacy, cooperation, and self-determination. The AIA strives to support Natives at UCLA through vocalizing ideas and concerns surrounding university policies and programs.
Contact: ucla.ai.alumni@ucla.edu
PISA is a student organization that supports Native and Pacific Island students through its outreach project (PIER) and events.
Contact: uclapisa@gmail.com
PIER is PISA's student-initiated and student-run outreach program that offers tutoring, mentorship, peer advising, and higher education awareness. PIER strives to combat inequality in education, create self-determined leaders, and advocate for community power.
Contact: pier@cpo.ucla.edu
Report abuse